The College of Agriculture at the University of Kerbala held a discussion for a master’s thesis entitled “Molecular Diagnosis of the Wax Scale Insect Ceroplastes rusci L. on Fig Trees and Its Control Using Selected Integrated Pest Management Approaches” by the student Salam Mohammed Hassan Abdali.
The thesis comprised several main chapters that addressed the following topics:
- Study of the annual occurrence of the insect on fig trees
- Morphological and molecular analysis of the insect
- Diagnosis of bacteria and viruses associated with the pest
- Evaluation of the effectiveness of integrated control methods
The objectives of the thesis included:
• Determining the dynamics of pest spread and its biological characteristics
• Developing accurate diagnostic techniques using molecular tools
• Assessing the efficacy of various control strategies in line with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles
The study recommended:
- Adoption of optimal concentrations of chemical pesticides
- Proper timing of control applications
- Enhancement of biological control practices
- Coordination of control efforts at the regional level
- Further studies on the pest’s natural enemies
